Foster House
a.k.a. Laurel Hill
201 Kennon St., Union Springs, AL
National Register Criterion C. Architecture. The Foster House is perhaps Alabama's finest surviving example of the Moorish Revival style of architecture, also variously grouped under the designation Gothic Revival or Oriental Revival (Gowans, Styles and Types of North American Architecture, 1984.) The foursquare, columned, two-story frame home with striking ogee arches contained within the composition of the portico offers a rare representation of the imposition of the Moorish Revival style upon the sober, symmetrical Greek Revival form. Novelty-type flushboard forms the infill between the arches below the line of the entablature, and according to architectural historian Robert Gamble rabbeted shiplap siding was a characteristic feature found on many antebellum homes along Chunnenuggee Ridge (Gamble, Robert, personal communication, 1997.) The Foster House is therefore considered unique for its accommodation of two distinct architectural styles coupled with the incorporation of a localized vernacular feature. The affiliation of simplified ogee arches upon Greek Revival houses is found at several extant residences in the eastern Black Belt of Alabama, including the Menefee and Dowdell residences in Tuskegee, but only the Foster Home offers such a pronounced representation (South Central Alabama Development Commission, Historic Assets Macon County, Alabama, 1975, p.55, 81.) The origins of the Moorish Revival style in the United States evolved from the Picturesque Movement promoted by mid-19h century architect A.J. Downing, as part of the then-current Western cultural fascination with the Orient. According to family tradition, the residence is thought to have been designed by and constructed under the direction of Dr. Sterling J. Foster (1822-1899.) a physician, merchant, and planter who was one of the early settlers of the town of Union Springs. As Foster was well-traveled and educated he may have been exposed to popular cultural influences from any number of sources, and his reinterpretation of the Moorish Revival style within a localized context makes the Foster House unique.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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Searching for other points of interest within 3 miles of this location.Alabama is home to the oldest baseball stadium in the United States. Rickwood Field, located in Birmingham, was built in 1910 and is still in use today.
About Bullock County
Bullock County Timeline
Bullock County, located in the southeastern part of Alabama, has a rich and diverse history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek and Choctaw. These tribes lived off the land, using the area's natural resources for agriculture and hunting.
European settlers began to arrive in the area in the early 1800s, attracted by the fertile soil and abundant water supply provided by the Conecuh and Pea Rivers. The county was officially established in 1866 and named after Edward C. Bullock, a Confederate officer and congressman.
Like many southern counties, Bullock County was heavily affected by the Civil War and the Reconstruction period that followed. The economy, once centered around agriculture and cotton production, struggled to recover. Many African Americans, who made up a significant portion of the population, faced challenges and discrimination during this time.
Throughout the 20th century, Bullock County saw increased industrialization and development. Cotton mills and oil refineries were established, providing much-needed jobs for the local population. However, like many rural areas, the county still experienced periods of economic decline.
Today, Bullock County is known for its charming small towns, rich history, and natural beauty. The county offers various opportunities for outdoor activities, such as fishing and hiking, and hosts several cultural events and festivals throughout the year. With a focus on preserving its heritage while adapting to modern times, Bullock County continues to be an important part of Alabama's history and culture.
European settlers began to arrive in the area in the early 1800s, attracted by the fertile soil and abundant water supply provided by the Conecuh and Pea Rivers. The county was officially established in 1866 and named after Edward C. Bullock, a Confederate officer and congressman.
Like many southern counties, Bullock County was heavily affected by the Civil War and the Reconstruction period that followed. The economy, once centered around agriculture and cotton production, struggled to recover. Many African Americans, who made up a significant portion of the population, faced challenges and discrimination during this time.
Throughout the 20th century, Bullock County saw increased industrialization and development. Cotton mills and oil refineries were established, providing much-needed jobs for the local population. However, like many rural areas, the county still experienced periods of economic decline.
Today, Bullock County is known for its charming small towns, rich history, and natural beauty. The county offers various opportunities for outdoor activities, such as fishing and hiking, and hosts several cultural events and festivals throughout the year. With a focus on preserving its heritage while adapting to modern times, Bullock County continues to be an important part of Alabama's history and culture.
Bullock County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Bullock County, Alabama.
- 1818: Bullock County is established and named after Colonel Edward C. Bullock, who fought in the Creek War.
- 1820s: Early settlers arrive in the area, primarily from the Carolinas and Georgia.
- 1830: The county seat, Union Springs, is incorporated and becomes a center of commerce and government.
- 1832: The Bullock County Courthouse is built and serves as the seat of justice for the county.
- 1857: The first railroad, the Montgomery and Eufaula Railroad, is completed, providing improved transportation links for the county.
- 1861-1865: Bullock County residents actively participate in the Civil War, with many serving in Confederate military units.
- 1866: Reconstruction begins after the Civil War, bringing significant changes to the county.
- 1870: The population of Bullock County reaches its peak, with over 18,000 residents.
- 1893: The Bullock County Courthouse is destroyed by fire, but a new one is quickly built in its place.
- 1920s: Cotton becomes the dominant crop, leading to economic prosperity in the county.
- 1940s: The Great Depression and World War II bring economic challenges and population decline to Bullock County.
- 1960s: The Civil Rights Movement brings significant changes to the county as African Americans fight for equal rights.
- 1992: The Bullock County Courthouse is renovated and restored to its original grandeur.